Barnas shows big-time ability

Big numbers have come to Harper College in a small-school quarterback package.

Garrett Barnas grew up in Walnut, a town of 1,200 about 20 miles south of Sterling and Rock Falls. He played Class 3A high school football at Manlius Bureau Valley, which draws its 470 students from five communities.

But the 6-foot-1, 190-pound freshman hasn't been overwhelmed by the big city spotlight and bigger competition of junior college.

"At a small school you don't get a lot of looks," Barnas said, "so it's nice to come here and have success."

Barnas has been the most prolific passer in the Midwest Football Conference since he stepped in during the opener when incumbent starter Trevor Bupp suffered a season-ending arm injury.

And Barnas isn't just a threat with his arm as he's completed 72-of-151 passes for 955 yards with 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions for the 2-2 Hawks. He's also rushed for 226 yards and 4 touchdowns.

"He is exciting," Harper coach Dragan Teonic said this week after a 43-27 loss to College of DuPage. "He knows how to find the end zone -- even on a bad day."

But that's nothing new for Barnas, who had 8 touchdowns rushing and receiving as a sophomore on a 3A state runner-up. The next year he took over at quarterback and led Bureau Valley to the 3A crown as he threw for 1,657 yards and 15 TDs and rushed for 1,175 yards and 22 scores.

Last year, Barnas was a 3A coaches all-state selection who had a near even split of 3,300 total yards and accounted for 35 TDs for a state semifinalist. He also intercepted 12 passes.

"He's a great defensive back and definitely a very versatile athlete," said Bureau Valley coach Dave Moore, who is also Barnas' stepson. "I've seen kids (in our school) a lot bigger than him with decent athletic prowess, but not like Garrett."

And that's what makes Barnas dangerous in Harper's run-and-shoot.

"This kid can flat-out kill you with his feet," Teonic said. "He's probably our best running back."

Barnas' athletic ability can be measured with four Class A state track medals that include third place in the 110-meter highs and fifth in the 300 intermediates in the spring.

He also took seventh in the shot put and set the Bureau Valley record with a throw of 55 feet, 6 inches.

"His junior year he got in the weight room and lifted real hard," Moore said. "He made himself good."

Barnas was receiving serious interest from Iowa and Northern Illinois. But his grades weren't good enough to qualify academically for a Division I scholarship.

One of Barnas' cousins played at Harper and he liked what he saw after visiting with Teonic. Nothing has happened so far to sway that opinion.

"I think I knew what I was getting into," said Barnas, who threw for a school-record 357 yards two weeks ago against the Wisconsin-Whitewater JV. "I knew I had the potential and the speed. I have a great coach who has helped out so much and my arm motion has been a lot better."

Barnas had a rough game last week as he was just 12-for-36 against COD. But Teonic likes how Barnas has improved in a short time.

Moore said there is no question about Barnas' leadership ability. And Barnas, whose goal is to play Division I football, wants to continue Harper's long tradition of success.

"All my expectations are being filled and hopefully I have a good season," Barnas said. "Trying to lead this team has been a big challenge for me, but I'm stepping up to the plate every time to show everyone what I can do."